The UK Graduate Visa is one of the most valuable opportunities available to Nigerian students studying in the United Kingdom. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for two to three years after completing your degree, giving you time to find work, gain professional experience, and potentially transition to a longer-term work visa. For many Nigerian students, this is the bridge between studying abroad and building a career in the UK.
Launched in July 2021, the Graduate Visa replaced the previous Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme and expanded post-study work opportunities to all eligible international students. This guide covers everything Nigerian students need to know about qualifying for and applying for the UK Graduate Visa in 2025.
What is the UK Graduate Visa?
The Graduate Visa (also known as the Graduate Route) is a post-study work visa that allows international students who have successfully completed a degree at a UK higher education provider to stay in the UK to work or look for work. It's designed to give talented graduates an opportunity to gain work experience in the UK.
Key Features
- Duration: 2 years for most degrees, 3 years for PhD graduates
- No employer sponsorship required: Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, you don't need a job offer
- Unrestricted work: You can work in any job at any skill level
- No salary threshold: No minimum salary requirement
- One-time visa: You can only apply once—there's no renewal
- Pathway to Skilled Worker Visa: If you find a sponsored job, you can switch to the Skilled Worker route
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Visa, you must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Valid Student Visa
You must currently be in the UK on a Student Visa (or the old Tier 4 General student visa). You cannot apply if you're on a different type of visa or if you've already returned to Nigeria.
2. Completed a Qualifying Degree
You must have successfully completed a degree at an approved higher education institution. Qualifying degrees include:
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- PhD or other doctoral degree
- PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
- Certain professional qualifications (law, medicine)
The degree must be at undergraduate level or above (RQF 6+). Most diplomas and certificates below bachelor's level do not qualify.
3. Studied with an Approved Provider
Your institution must be a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance. This includes most established UK universities. Your university will confirm your eligibility through their sponsorship record.
4. Met the Study Requirement
You must have completed your course while in the UK on a Student Visa. The specific requirements depend on when you started your course:
- For students who started their course before January 2021, different rules may apply regarding time spent studying in the UK
- For students who started after January 2021, you must have spent the required time in the UK during your studies
For most courses, you need to have been physically in the UK for at least some portion of your studies. COVID-19 concessions allowed students who studied online from abroad to still qualify, but these concessions have now ended.
5. Valid Student Sponsorship
Your Student Visa must not have been cancelled, curtailed, or expired. Your sponsor (university) must confirm that you've successfully completed your course.
The Application Process
Step 1: Wait for Confirmation
Your university must update your Student Route sponsor management system (SMS) record to confirm that you've successfully completed your degree. This usually happens after results are finalized and conferral is confirmed. You cannot apply until this update is made.
Step 2: Apply Online
Apply through the UK Visa and Immigration website. The application is relatively simple compared to other visa types:
- Complete the online form
- Pay the visa fee (£822)
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year = £2,070 for 2 years or £3,105 for 3 years)
- Verify your identity (either through the UK Immigration ID Check app or at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service center)
Step 3: Submit Biometrics
If you use the smartphone app, you'll scan your passport and take a selfie. If you can't use the app, you'll book an appointment at a UKVCAS center to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Step 4: Wait for Decision
Processing typically takes 8 weeks. You can remain in the UK legally while your application is being processed, even if your Student Visa expires during this time (Section 3C leave).
When to Apply
Timing is Critical
You can apply for the Graduate Visa:
- After: Your university confirms successful completion of your degree
- Before: Your Student Visa expires
There's no specific "window" to apply—you can apply any time between completion confirmation and visa expiry. However, it's wise to apply early to avoid any complications if processing takes longer than expected.
If Your Visa is Expiring Soon
If your Student Visa is about to expire and your results aren't finalized yet, contact your university's international student office immediately. They may be able to expedite the completion confirmation or advise on your options.
What You Can and Cannot Do
What You CAN Do
- Work full-time in any job, at any skill level
- Be self-employed or start a business
- Volunteer or do unpaid work
- Study (though not as your main activity)
- Travel in and out of the UK
- Switch to another visa category if you qualify (e.g., Skilled Worker)
What You CANNOT Do
- Extend the Graduate Visa—it's a one-time, fixed-term visa
- Access public funds (benefits)
- Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- Add time to the Graduate Visa by studying again
Transitioning to the Skilled Worker Visa
For most Nigerian graduates, the ultimate goal is to secure a Skilled Worker Visa, which allows long-term employment in the UK and eventually leads to settlement. Here's how to make that transition:
Finding Sponsored Employment
During your Graduate Visa period, focus on finding jobs with employers who are licensed sponsors. Use this time to:
- Apply for graduate schemes at major companies
- Build experience in your field
- Network with potential sponsors
- Develop skills that are in demand
Salary Thresholds
To switch to the Skilled Worker route, your job must meet the current salary threshold (£38,700 as of April 2024, though this may be lower for certain occupations). Plan your career accordingly—not every job that's available during Graduate Visa will qualify for sponsorship.
Timing the Switch
You can apply to switch to Skilled Worker at any point during your Graduate Visa. There's no need to wait until it expires. If you secure a sponsored position early, you can switch immediately, which starts your clock toward settlement sooner.
Costs Involved
Application Costs
- Graduate Visa fee: £822
- Immigration Health Surcharge (2 years): £2,070
- Immigration Health Surcharge (3 years, PhD): £3,105
- Biometric enrollment: Free if using the app, or approximately £60-120 at a UKVCAS center
Total Cost
For a 2-year Graduate Visa: Approximately £2,892-£2,952
For a 3-year Graduate Visa (PhD): Approximately £3,927-£3,987
Common Questions
Can I Apply from Nigeria?
No. The Graduate Visa can only be applied for from within the UK. You must be physically in the UK with a valid Student Visa.
What if My Course Was Online Due to COVID-19?
COVID-19 concessions allowed students who studied online from abroad to still qualify for the Graduate Visa, but these concessions have ended for most students. If you started your course during the pandemic, check the specific rules that apply to your cohort.
Can I Bring My Family?
If you already have dependents (spouse/partner, children) in the UK with you on Student Dependent visas, they can apply for Graduate Dependent visas. They'll have the same rights to work as you. If your family is in Nigeria, you generally cannot sponsor them to join you on a Graduate Visa.
What Happens After 2 Years?
The Graduate Visa cannot be extended. You must either:
- Switch to another visa (Skilled Worker, Start-up, etc.)
- Leave the UK
- Return to study on a new Student Visa
Can I Study Again After the Graduate Visa?
Yes, you can apply for a new Student Visa for further studies. However, you cannot use a Graduate Visa to get another Graduate Visa—it's a one-time benefit.
Strategies for Success
Start Job Hunting Early
Don't wait until graduation to start looking for jobs. Many graduate schemes and sponsored positions have application deadlines months before your course ends. Apply during your final year.
Build Your Network
Networking is crucial in the UK job market. Attend career fairs, join professional associations, connect with alumni, and use LinkedIn actively.
Gain Experience
Use placements, internships, and part-time work during your studies to build UK work experience. This makes you more attractive to employers after graduation.
Develop In-Demand Skills
Focus on skills that are in shortage in the UK. Technology, healthcare, and engineering skills are often particularly valued.
Consider All Locations
Don't limit yourself to London. Other cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Edinburgh have growing job markets and lower living costs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting Too Long to Apply
If your Student Visa expires before you apply for the Graduate Visa, you become an overstayer. Apply well before your visa expires.
Not Checking Completion Status
Your university must confirm your completion before you can apply. Don't assume it's done automatically—follow up with your international office.
Underestimating the Job Search
Two years seems like a long time, but finding a sponsored position can take months. Start early and be persistent.
Ignoring Visa Conditions
Even though the Graduate Visa is flexible, there are still rules. Ensure you understand what you can and cannot do.
Conclusion
The UK Graduate Visa is a valuable opportunity for Nigerian students to gain work experience in the UK and potentially transition to long-term employment. With two to three years to work freely, build your career, and find sponsorship, it provides the time needed to establish yourself professionally.
Success requires planning. Start your job search early, build your network, and understand the pathway to sponsored employment. The Graduate Visa is a bridge, not a destination—use it wisely to build toward your long-term career goals in the UK.
Good luck with your Graduate Visa application and your career in the UK!